NICKEL ELECTROPLATED NONCONDUCTIVE MATERIALS FOR RAIN EROSION PROTECTION.
Abstract
Currently there is an extensive research effort directed toward development of reinforced plastic components for use on supersonic and advanced missile weapon systems. Recognizing the limitations of these materials to high speed rain erosion, an extensive research effort was initiated to investigate the electrodeposition of nickel coatings on nonconductive reinforced plastics to render them rain erosion resistant. As a result of this electroplating process investigation, substrate preparation and nickel thickness were found to be the most important variables. A minimum thickness of 12 mils of the nickel coating on the laminates is recommended to obtain extended life of leading edges on aircraft, helicopter rotor blades, or jet engine compressor blades. Using a high speed whirling arm rig with a water system to evaluate the rain erosion resistance of research coating specimens, it was found that unprotected plastic laminates failed rapidly (4 to 30 seconds) at a speed of 500 mph in a 2-inch per hour simulated rainfall density. The present military specification material (neoprene) protected the substrates for approximately eight minutes under the same conditions. During this research effort, epoxy, polyester, and polybenzimidazole laminates coated with a minimum of 12 mils of nickel were exposed to the same environment. The coated epoxy endured 160 minutes, the coated polyester 180 minutes, and the coated polybenzimidazole 473 minutes without visible evidence of erosion. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0816387
Entities
People
- James H. Weaver
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory